Technician II - Optical Test

Job Description

In this career-building technical opportunity, you will gain expertise in the optics and aerospace field with room to develop measurement and analysis skills as your experience builds.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Optical Technician with a “can-do” team disposition to support our optical testing laboratory, with a focus on spectral measurements using spectrophotometers and FTIR spectrometers.

You will work both solo, and with a team on optical testing, handling, assembly, with occasional light design and analysis work as your knowledge and experience grows. You will work with optical components that are integrated into complex space-based and airborne projects for critical NASA and DoW programs.

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

What You’ll Do:

• Optical Test Laboratory & Spectral Measurements:
  • Perform spectral transmission and reflectance measurements of optical components and coatings using UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometers.
  • Perform infrared spectral measurements using FTIR spectrometers, following established procedures and setups.
  • Prepare samples, configure measurement fixtures, and set up instruments for spectral testing under guidance from senior technicians and leads.
  • Run calibration checks and reference standards to verify instrument performance before measurements.
  • Record, reduce, and analyze measurement data using basic math skills and standard analysis software.
  • Compare measured spectral data against component specifications and flag out-of-family results to leads and engineers.
  • Operate additional optical measurement equipment as trained, including measuring microscopes and profilometers.
  • Assist with the general maintenance and housekeeping of the optical test laboratory and associated equipment.
  • Perform solo tasks running them to completion in a timely manner.
  • Work well in a collaborative environment with a team of optics personnel, engineers and technicians to test, and characterize components and assist in building novel state-of-the art space based and airborne optical systems.
  • Balance fast paced daily work often with multiple simultaneous measurements and critical tasks.
  • Inquisitive self-starter, comfortable asking questions to ensure thorough understanding of assigned work prior to commencement of activities.
• Optical Handling, Inspection & Cleaning:
  • Conduct inspection and cleaning of optical components, including:
    • Optical inspection per company processes and commercial standards.
    • Scratch-Dig measurements.
    • Abrasion / adhesion testing.
    • Basic dimensional measurements.
    • Vendor data package review.
    • Perform cleaning of optical components per company processes and commercial standards.
  • Measure and test optical components and assemblies using a variety of equipment, including:
    • Interferometers.
    • Spectrophotometers.
    • Scatterometers.
    • Measuring microscopes.
    • Profilometers.
  • Process flight optics, including:
    • Bonding optics into support structures using a variety of adhesive materials.
    • Supporting integration of optical components and subassemblies into payloads.
    • Integration of lenses into higher level assemblies using commercial lens alignment equipment.
    • Integrate other optical components into higher level assemblies.
    • Performing optical alignment of complex optical sensors.
• Documentation & Teamwork:
• Produce data packages and reports of completed measurements using Microsoft Office tools and custom systems.
• Input required information into electronic build records in accordance with company processes.
• Work in a collaborative environment with optics personnel, engineers, and technicians to test and characterize components for state-of-the-art optical systems.
• Ask questions to ensure thorough understanding of assigned work before starting activities.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 1 year or more related experience.
• Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Bachelor’s or Master’s, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Experience:
  • Optical, physics, chemistry, or materials laboratory experience with hands-on instrument operation.
  • Experience handling delicate components or samples requiring care and cleanliness.
  • Experience following detailed written procedures and recording measurement data.
• Skills:
  • Familiarity with spectral measurement concepts (transmission, reflectance, wavelength ranges) and aptitude to develop proficiency with spectrophotometers and FTIR spectrometers.
  • Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity for working with delicate optical and opto-mechanical hardware.
  • Excellent attention to detail and practice following detailed processes and procedures with consistency and rigor.
  • Ability to read and interpret component drawings and specifications.
  • Working knowledge and use of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to run technical software programs.
  • Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work with many different disciplines.
  • Inquisitive self-starter, comfortable asking questions to ensure thorough understanding of assigned work.
  • Aptitude to learn optical measurement equipment is a must.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, task tracking, practice following detailed processes and procedures with consistency and rigor.
  • Excellent collaboration skills and demonstrated ability to work with many different disciplines.

#LI-GJ1

As this position requires operating a company vehicle, an offer and subsequent employment are contingent upon possessing and maintaining a valid US driver's license and a satisfactory motor vehicle record review.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Optical lab, optical assembly, optical test setup, and optical alignment experience; space-based optical system experience is preferred.
• Hands-on experience operating UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometers.
• Hands-on experience operating FTIR spectrometers.
• Experience measuring optical coatings, filters, or witness samples.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.
• Experience inspecting and cleaning delicate optical components.
• Space-based or airborne optical system experience.
• Knowledge of optical engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with additional optical measurement equipment a strong bonus, including interferometers and spectrophotometers, profilometers, scatterometers, lens alignment equipment, theodolites, and measuring microscopes is desirable, and aptitude to learn this equipment.
• Electronics aptitude.
• Willingness and ability to acquire a security clearance.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $47614 - $76181

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.